Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Tuesday This And That

Congratulations to Ed Kocjan of Channahon, IL, who won a copy of the brand new Buckinghams CD "The Complete Hit Singles"!
Ed tells us ...
Thanks, Kent!
I enjoy reading your website every day. 
Thank YOU, Ed ... it's our pleasure ... glad you're enjoying Forgotten Hits.
Special thanks again to Cary Mansfield of Varese Vintage and Clark Besch (who wrote the liner notes for this hot new release) for donating a copy for our Forgotten Hits give-away.  (kk)     

Good morning, Kent.
I start my day daily by reading your forgotten hits blog. Always learn something new.
Have a great weekend.
Santiago Paradoa
Miami, Florida    

The first thing I do every day is open Forgotten Hits and read it from top to bottom.
Gary Theroux       

BARRY MANILOW, BARBRA STREISAND, SAM COOKE AMONG 2016 HALL OF FAME NOMINEES - 
Rod Stewart, Neil Sedaka, Petula Clark also first time candidates  
On-line voting to begin September 16   
Barry Manilow, Barbra Streisand and Sam Cooke are among the nominees for 2016 induction into America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame.
They join 11 other first-time candidates, as well as 11 returning acts to comprise the 25 artists on the ballot. Nominees are selected by a national panel of musicians, disc jockeys and journalists based on the artists’ breadth and depth of pop hits, as well as influence.
Through on-line voting, the public will choose 10 inductees; the national selection committee will add up to five other “Legacy” inductees.
New nominees, in addition to Manilow, Streisand and Cooke, are the Association, Lou Christie, Petula Clark, Fats Domino, Tommy James & the Shondells, the Lettermen, the Rascals, Paul Revere & the Raiders, Neil Sedaka, Rod Stewart and the Temptations,
The eleven returning nominees are Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, the Dave Clark Five, Dion & the Belmonts, Bob Dylan, the Four Tops, Connie Francis, the Grass Roots, the Jackson Five, Smokey & the Miracles, Three Dog Night and Dionne Warwick.
Artists must have placed a hit on the Billboard charts between 1945 and 1975 to qualify
Voting is currently under way at americaspopmusichalloffame.org and will continue through October 31. Inductees will be announced in December.
America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame was formed in 2011 to honor artists and other contributors to pop music. It is based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, home of Perry Como, Bobby Vinton and the Four Coins, who together placed nearly 200 songs on America’s pop charts.
Plans are continuing for construction of a four-story, hall of fame structure that includes a large performance center, as well as wings for both permanent and rotating collections and memorabilia.
In a ceremony March 15, 2013, with Johnny Tillotson as master of ceremonies, the original inductees into America’s Pop Music Hall of Fame were announced. They were the Beach Boys, the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Nat King Cole, Perry Como, Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond, Brenda Lee, Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Vinton and Stevie Wonder.
The 2014 inductees were the Bee Gees, Tony Bennett, Carpenters, Chicago, Buddy Holly, Elton John, Carole King, Dean Martin, the Monkees, Roy Orbison, Patti Page, the Platters, Simon & Garfunkel and the Supremes. The Monkees were formally inducted during a standing-room only presentation at the Monkees Convention in East Rutherford, N.J. on March 17, 2014.
This year’s inductees were Paul Anka, Glen Campbell, Chubby Checker, the Eagles, the Everly Brothers, the Four Seasons, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, Rick Nelson, Les Paul & Mary Ford. the Righteous Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Tillotson, and Andy Williams.
In Brief
2016 Nominees:
Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, The Association, Lou Christie, the Dave Clark Five, Petula Clark, Sam Cooke, Dion and the Belmonts, Fats Domino, Bob Dylan, the Four Tops, Connie Francis, the Grass Roots, the Jackson Five, Tommy James and the Shondells, the Lettermen, Barry Manilow, the Rascals, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Neil Sedaka, Smokey and the Miracles, Rod Stewart, Barbra Streisand, the Temptations, Three Dog Night and Dionne Warwick
Public Voting:
americaspopmusichalloffame.org through October 31.
Inductees Announced:
December 28, 2015
Another interesting mix of candidates to be sure.  Check out the website to see The Monkees being inducted ... Micky, Peter and Mike are all on hand to receive their awards!  (kk)   

By now I'm guessing most of you have seen the latest Looney Toons video of David Cassidy's recent appearance on a British talk show.
Honestly, I think they WERE trying to "rubbish him" to a certain extent.  And it was pretty clear that he had a bad audio connection from the outset.  But once again you get to see another DC flipout!  (kk)


Goodbye to Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon who passed away earlier this week of an undisclosed ailment.  I've lost count of the times I was him perform with REO ... for a good long stretch, they were the "go to" opening act for virtually every big name that passed through town.
LOVE your work, Gary ... we'll miss you.  (kk)    

Jimi Hendrix Experience, Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival - No. 63 — Jimi Hendrix scores his 46th entry on the Billboard 200 albums chart as Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival starts at No. 63. The live set shifted 8,000 equivalent album units in the week ending Sept. 3, according to Nielsen Music (nearly 7,000 were pure album sales). 
The Experience Hendrix / Legacy Recordings release celebrates the guitar god’s July 4, 1970 concert at the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival, where he played to an estimated 300,000 - 400,000 people -- the largest audience he ever played to in the U.S. (according to Legacy). An accompanying documentary film about the show, Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church, premiered Sept. 4 on Showtime. (A retail version of the movie will be released on Oct. 30.) 
Hendrix has been rather prolific on the Billboard 200 in the last few years, thanks to Experience Hendrix’s licensing partnership with Legacy, which began in 2009. Some of the most notable fruits of their relationship include two top 10 albums of previously unreleased studio recordings: Valleys of Neptune (No. 4 debut and peak in 2010) and People, Hell and Angels (No. 2 in 2013). 
Bob Merlis / M.F.H.   

If you can't make the whole convention, you might consider driving there for just the day on either this Thursday / Friday / or Saturday. 
I had so much fun last year. I can't wait. 
Maybe we can meet there. 
DJ Stu Weiss 

Celebrities confirmed for September 2015!
View this email in your browser

MY THREE SONS
CAST REUNION

 The September show is shaping up to be our largest ever!
More celebrities signing autographs! More vendors!

September 17 - 19, 2015
Mark your calendar and ask your boss off for work!




Barry Livingston, Stanley Livingston and Tina Cole will be reunited for the entire weekend -- a MY THREE SONS cast reunion!

 

www.MidAtlanticNostalgiaConvention.com
Hunt Valley Wyndham, Maryland

TEMPEST STORM

One of the things that makes the Mid-Atlantic Nostalgia Convention unique is the variety of celebrities. We don't always offer movie and TV celebs.
Tempest Storm will be among our most treasured because when you think of 1940s and 1950s burlesque, you think of Lili St. Cyr, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Tempest Storm.

Quiet simply, a legend.
 
MARTINE BESWICK

Two-time Bond girl and Hammer horror star, Martine auditioned for DR. NO (1961) and lost out. But she succeeded in securing the role of a fiery gypsy girl, Zora, in FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE (1962) where she engaged in the famous catfight scene. Then she was hired to play  Paula Caplan in another Bond film, THUNDERBALL (1964). Martine went on to appear in ONE MILLION YEARS B.C. (1966) opposite Raquel Welch, with whom she also engaged in a catfight. 
 
CAROLINE MUNRO

Bond girl in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME (1977), it should have been retitled "The Spy Who Killed Her" when Roger Moore blew up the helicopter she was flying.
She was eye candy in THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD (1973) and fell victim to Christopher Lee in DRACULA A.D. (1972). And her list of accomplishments, just like Martine Beswick, is too long to mention them all.
The Hammer horror actress has lots of stories to share but here's a link to a quick YouTube link where she was reunited with Roger Moore and they chatted about the Bond film!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zM971US1owY
Copyright © 2015 MANC Convention, All rights reserved.
Out of MY driving range ... but maybe some of our readers can attend.  Sounds like a fun event!  Thanks, Stu!  (kk)
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Monday, September 14, 2015

50 Year Flashback - September 14th, 1965

This KFXM Chart from this week in 1965 shows The Beatles on top of the heap with their latest, "Help" (the title track from their brand new motion picture ... in color this time!) coupled with the record' B-Side "I'm Down", a scorching rocker by Paul McCartney, written as a show-stopper final tune for this year's tour, much in the same vein as the previous closer, "Long Tall Sally", Paul's version of the Little Richard classic.

 Surprisingly, "Help" / "I'm Down" didn't chart as a two-sided hit nationally.  While "Help" topped all three national trades, the best "I'm Down" could muster was a "Bubbling Under" position of #101 in Billboard.  (It didn't even get that high in the other trades ... #106 in Record World ... and only #126 for a week in Cash Box.)

Big climbers this week include  "Liar Liar" by The Castaways (#4, up from #10 the previous week), "Heart Full Of Soul by The Yardbirds (up nine places to #8), "Mohair Sam" by then rocker Charlie Rich (which climbs from #22 to #12), "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys (now at #13 after spending a week at #24 the week before), "Catch Us If You Can" by The Dave Clark Five (another movie song, up ten places from #25 to #15), "Everyone's Gone To The Moon" by Jonathan King (which jumps from #31 all the way to #18), "Treat Her Right" by Roy Head, the week's biggest mover, jumping from #37 to #20, a leap of 17 places!, and "You're The One" by The Vogues, a remake of a Petula Clark album track, that climbs from #34 to #26 this week.

 I like how the chart shows you last year's Top Ten Hits on this date as well as Great Britain's Top 12 Tracks.  (Notice that Sonny and Cher hold down the #1 Spot in The UK, ahead of The Beatles and The Stones!)










Notice that the backside of this week's KFXM's Survey shows three of their jocks changing the marquee at The Arlington Theater.  "Help!" is the hot new feature at the movies this week (and it looks like another British Import, "Ferry 'Cross The Mersey" featuring Gerry and the Pacemakers" is being shown as the second half of a double feature!)

 We found some "unaltered" early mixes of some "Help!" album tracks and wanted to share a few of these with you today as well.  These are "pre final mix" renditions to some of the new soundtrack ... so we're featuring one each by John, Paul, George and Ringo!








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Sunday, September 13, 2015

Mitch Aliotta


Tonight is the party for Mitch Aliotta of Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah (and formerly of The Rotary Connection, featuring Minnie Ripperton), being held at WIRE in Berwyn, IL.  Aliotta passed away a couple of months ago ... and the "party" is being billed as an all-star jam, remembrance and fund raiser to help Mitch's family with medical bills, debt and other expenses. 

Ray Graffia, Jr., founding member and front man of The New Colony Six asked me to please point out that, despite a report from Chicagoland Radio And Media (which was also published here in Forgotten Hits), he is unable to appear at the tribute this evening (and had informed the powers that be in regards to this event of this back on August 20th of this fact.)  As such, he asked me to please print a retraction, along with his regrets and condolences to the family, as he didn't want fans who showed up at the venue to be disappointed by his not being there to participate, thinking he was simply a "no show" for the concert.

However, I should point out that WIRE will still be rockin' tonight as numerous bands and local deejays WILL be coming out to remember one of our Local Heroes ... so fans of the groups Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah and The Rotary Connection ARE encouraged to stop by as ticket proceeds ($15) will go to Mitch's family to help offset medical expenses ... so not only is it all for a good cause, but it's also a life celebration.  (Bandmate John Jeremiah passed away in 2011, leaving only Skip Haynes, who wrote their best-know hit "Lake Shore Drive" as the last surviving member.)   

Tickets can be purchased in advance at this link HERE (or at the door) for $15.  For those unable to attend but who wish to help out, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the Mitch Aliotta Memorial Fund. That page can be found HERE.  (kk)

*****

I only met Mitch Aliotta a couple of times.  He was dating (and then later living with) one of my best friends from high school ... and, thanks to the local success of "Lake Shore Drive", the band was at the peak of their hot streak at the time.  Thanks to this connection, we were once afforded the opportunity to open for Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah at an appearance here in Chicago.  (For the life of me, I can't remember the name of the venue ... but it was some type of "coffee house" setting, very popular at that time, in probably 1973 or 1974.)

Beth, my classmate, was one of those "best friends" girl friends who was a big part of my life back then.  (We even had one of those goofy high school pacts that if neither one of us were married by the age of 30, we'd just marry each other ... simply so that we could say that we were!)

 Fortunately, it never came to that ... and in reality we dated exactly ONE time (naively figuring that since we were such good friends, why WOULDN'T it work?)  I'm sure that today we would both agree that it was a complete disaster, although I think we can also look back and smile.  (I took her to see the movie "Woodstock" in 1970 ... halfway through the film ... and after about 30 seconds of making out in the theater ... we both burst out laughing, saying that this was just too weird and never going to work.  Fortunately we were able to stay close friends for a few years after that until real life got in the way and, as even the best of friends so often do, went our separate ways.  While I've never left the area, she moved around a bit ... but we did have a chance to visit again at a high school reunion a few years back, as well as by email after Mitch passed away in July.)

By my count, Mitch definitely broke her heart several more times than he melted it, and because she was important to me, it hurt me to see her treated this way ... so my personal feelings for Mitch are tainted ... although there's no denying the fact that his band left us with one of the ultimate Classic Rock Tracks.  By ALL counts, it was for the best when they finally split ... and hey, today she can still talk about the time she dated a genuine rock star!

Bandmate Skip Haynes, who wrote the song "Lake Shore Drive", has participated with Forgotten Hits several times in the past ... he even gave us the "exclusive" story behind their hit several years back (which, I see by Googling this morning, has been picked up by several other media sources as well.)  You can read the complete (and ORIGINAL) version of the story here:
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2012/01/story-behind-lake-shore-drive-part-one.html
http://forgottenhits60s.blogspot.com/2012/01/story-behind-lake-shore-drive-part-two.html

As well as listen to the VERY special, one-of-a-kind Forgotten Hits version of their tune here ...



"Lake Shore Drive" proved to be a VERY popular FM track.  The band often explained that, while written specifically about Chicago's famous piece of concrete that runs along Lake Michigan, they found out that SEVERAL cities across the USA have a Lake Shore Drive ... so folks around the country were also able to relate to the song. Incredibly it never officially charted nationally ... or here in Chicagoland either for that matter, despite the fact that it was (and still is) a radio staple here in Chi-Town.

Like Ray Graffia, Jr., I am unable to attend tonight's festivities ... but our hearts goes out to all of Mitch's family, friends and fans as they gather in his honor this evening.  (Ironically, thanks to a prearranged event, I'm having breakfast with Ray ... along with "The History Of Rock And Roll" creator Gary Theroux, who's in town for a wedding, later this morning ... and I've got a hunch "Lake Shore Drive" and Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah will probably be one of the topics of discussion!)  If any of our readers ARE able to attend, we'd love a full report to run as a follow-up piece next week. 
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Saturday, September 12, 2015

Yesterday We Told You ...

>>>9/11/1945 =  Happy Birthday Dennis Tufano  (Frank B.)

>>>"The Buckinghams: The Complete Hit Singles" is available today.  We told you last week that we'd be running the complete, unedited, unabridged version of the disc's liner notes on October 1st ... and also that we had a copy to give away to a lucky Forgotten Hits Reader ... so if you'd like YOUR shot at a free copy, please drop us a line and let us know.  Simply put "Buckinghams CD" in your subject line and we'll enter your name in the drawing.  (kk)

TODAY WE'RE TELLING YOU ...   

Kent ...
9/11/1945 =  Happy Birthday Dennis Tufano.
Here's my favorite Buckingham's Hit.
Mercy Mercy Mercy can Dennis Tufano sing this song!
Frank B.
Response to our Buckinghams free CD give-away has been good ... we'll take entries through Sunday and then pick a winner next week.  More details above.  (kk)
 
>>>On October 30, Eagle Rock Entertainment and Zappa's Honker Home Video will issue the never-before-released Frank Zappa’s Roxy: The Movie on DVD & Blu-Ray with an exclusive Soundtrack included.  
 
TODAY WE'RE TELLING YOU ...
 
You can view a brand new trailer for this film here ...   
 
>>>A new Johnny Cash Documentary will air on the anniversary of his death (9/12)  Frank B
 
TODAY WE'RE TELLING YOU ...
 
That's tonight on CMT ... check your local listings.
Meanwhile, after viewing this program, Rolling Stone Magazine came up with a list of Ten Things You Didn't Know About Johnny Cash ... 
 
If you haven't already seen it, scroll back to Wednesday's post to read our review of the EXCELLENT Jeff Lynne Live Hyde Park Concert DVD.  This is one you'll want to add to your collection.  (kk)
 
TODAY WE'RE TELLING YOU ...
 
Looks like Jeff Lynne is planning a comeback in a very big way.  News of a new record deal and brand new album release (now billed as Jeff Lynne's ELO) hit his webpage this week ...
 
 
Lynne has also produced the new Bryan Adams album ... and the first video from that set was released this week as well ...
 
 
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Friday, September 11, 2015

The Friday Flash

re:  Here We Come ... Again:
Rhino is releasing the complete Monkees television series again ... on BluRay this time around ... all 58 episodes plus their theatrical release "Head" (with never-before-seen outtakes), their television special "33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee", bonus commentaries from all four original members of the group and original Kellogg's commercials aired during the show's original broadcast. 
It's all being done in celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the original casting call issued on September 8th, 1965 ... and Rhino promises all kinds of new, bonus surprises throughout their 50th anniversary year.
The BluRay edition will be released in January with a limited pressing of 10,000 copies.  (kk)
 
And, speaking of 50 Year Anniversaries ...
 
#50:   
Hey KK!
This is the Vibeman!
The 50th Anniversary of Davie Allan The Arrows is at least for us a time to know that the things we enjoyed of yesterday are still here among us today. There still is the celebration of keeping the dream alive and finding some joy in a form of music not everyone has embraced. Will they? We may never know. Will we? Better get it while the gettins' good!
 

 
re:  Eye Of The Tiger:   
Lots of fuss these past few days about Kim Davis playing Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger" at her "release rally". Songwriters Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan were quick to point out that they did NOT authorize use of their song for this purpose ... nor does her stance (on refusing to issue gay marriage licenses) in any way reflect their views ... 
I have not authorized the use of Eye of the Tiger for use by Kim Davis and my publisher will issue a C&D. This does not reflect my views. 
-- Jim Peterik
Crain Chicago Business gave the event headline coverage on Wednesday ... and it was picked up by virtually every other kind of media, too, once the song's cowriters issued statements.  (Man, you just can't BUY publicity like this ... and this story was delivered free on a silver platter!)
"Eye of the Tiger" is meant to be motivational, but Survivor doesn't want its song to motivate anti-gay sentiments.    
Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who has been the center of media attention after refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in Rowan County, played the song yesterday at a rally alongside Mike Huckabee, and Survivor is not happy about it. Davis was jailed for her failure to issue the licenses and appeared at the rally in Grayson, Ky., following her release. 
"I was very surprised and dismayed at the misuse of the song I co-wrote with Frankie Sullivan for 'Rocky lll,' " he said. "The song has motivated thousands through the years to reach beyond their limits. Its use for the release of Kim Davis does not support my views or my politics. I have contacted my publishers to make sure this usage is stopped immediately."  
Jim Peterik, founder of the Chicago band and co-writer of the song made famous by "Rocky III," said in a statement to Billboard magazine that the band did not grant Davis the right to use the song at the rally.
Cowriter Frankie Sullivan made a similar statement on his Facebook Page ... 
NO! We did not grant Kim Davis any rights to use "My Tune -The Eye Of The Tiger." I would not grant her the rights to use Charmin! 
C'mom Mike, you are not The Donald but you can do better than that - 
See Ya really SoooooooonnnnnnN!!!!!! ...
Frankie Sullivan
 
re:  Eight Tracks:
>>>You know, I never had an eight track tape cartridge nor player?!  I skipped right over that media right to the Cassette Tape!  (Chuck Buell)
>>>Likewise ... I hated the way 8-tracks switched channels right in the middle of a song ... couldn't believe ANYBODY found that acceptable!!!  Yet all my friends had them and didn't seem to be bothered by this at all.  Cassettes were the ONLY way to go for me for a long, long time ... especially since I could now make my own to listen to in the car.  (kk)
Because Kent, they were the first way we could bring our favorites into the car with us ... pure and simple.  A battery run turn-table on a bumpy road?  Not going to work.  And we didn't accept the negatives of these 8 tracks for long, as cassettes came right behind.  The stereo system I bought in the mid 70's (and is still working) had all 4 possibilities:  turn-table, radio (AM/FM), 8-track and cassette.
Shelley
 
re:  This And That: 
Kent ...
9/11/1945 =  Happy Birthday Dennis Tufano.
Don't know what I'd do without Ron Smith's book "Eight Days A Week."
Frank B.
P.S. - 9/13/1944 = Happy Birthday Peter Cetera.
 
Speaking of Dennis Tufano, "The Buckinghams: The Complete Hit Singles" is available today.  We told you last week that we'd be running the complete, unedited, unabridged version of the disc's liner notes on October 1st ... and also that we had a copy to give away to a lucky Forgotten Hits Reader ... so if you'd like YOUR shot at a free copy, please drop us a line and let us know.  Simply put "Buckinghams CD" in your subject line and we'll enter your name in the drawing.
 
Here's one FH Reader who won't be entering for his chance to win a copy ...  
 
Music4Me says:
This is good or bad news, depending on your point of view: The new Buckinghams Complete Hit Singles (release date 9/11/15) on Varese Sarabande will be all stereo despite the actual singles in many cases being in mono. Carl Giammarese, the group's guitarist / lead singer, has voiced his disappointment with the stereo single mixes, saying they sounded watered down and lacked the punch of the original 45's. He has stated that he has offered to be involved in the mixing / mastering to get the sound right but has never been given the opportunity. Word is also that Varese requested mono versions of a number of songs from CBS / Sony but were only given stereo versions to work with. Another chance to get it right goes by the wayside.
Personally, from what I heard of the stereo remixes, the mono versions should be better, unless you narrow the stereo versions, but I'm not sure digital alteration can't save the stereo versions. Not that I'd buy them ... Varese is okay, but you'll find a vinyl ripping CD tune now and then.  I don't think Carl was there when the music was recorded. As far as I can tell, others (studio musicians) played the music. I'm sure Sony will handle all audio work; this is typical.
You can tell some Columbia hits were remixed, like The Cyrkle ... their Turn Down Day includes a drum piece that was dismissed (when mixing) from the hit. Whoops! :)
Embarrassing moments on CD? A Rhino - Dick Bartley release (DJ I admired) had a (debut) stereo version of "You're The One" by We Five, but missing some overdubbing, but what someone set free in public domain was more complete stereo.
Best,
John
I'm guessing you mean either "You're The One" by The Vogues or "You Were On My Mind" by We Five in your above statement ... not sure which, but both of those at least make sense ... "You're The One" by We Five does not.
As for the new Buckinghams CD, I've listened to it and it sounds pretty good to me.  It's a short set (just 15 tracks), but all the hits (and non-hit single releases) are here.
If I have an objection to anything it's the fact that they used the "radio edit" for "Susan", with the "offensive" (to the band, anyway) psychedelic interlude deleted.  For me, this doesn't work within the context of "The Complete Hit Singles" banner because this version was never released as a single ... you couldn't buy it that way nor do I recall ever hear it being played that way (in its edited form) at the time.  (In fact, I didn't hear the "radio edit" until probably twenty years later ... but apparently some radio stations WERE playing it at the time, despite the fact that it wasn't available commercially.)  I would have preferred that they released the REAL single (as advertised) and, if they truly felt it necessary to showcase the edited version, included that as a bonus track instead.  (Just my opinion ... at least this way the disc lives up to its title.)
I asked Cary Mansfield of Varese Vintage and Clark Besch, who helped to assemble the new collection (as well as write the liner notes) about this decision but never heard back from either of them on this topic.  (kk)
 
And, speaking of some of our Chicagoland Local Heroes ...
 
This Sunday, September 13th, our FH Buddy Dean Milano will be hosting a fund-raising event honoring Mitch Aliotta of Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah, who passed away a couple of months ago. 
On Sunday, September 13th, c’mon down to WIRE for a party in honor of Mitch Aliotta, who passed away recently. 
He left behind a lot of medical expenses and his friends are getting a benefit together to help with the costs. 
I’ll be stage managing the event and I’ll also perform a special song. The event starts at 6:00, I’ll be on at 10:30 and the address in Berwyn is 6815 W. Roosevelt Road. 
We’ll see ya there!
Dean
 
 
 
More on this from Chicagoland Radio and Media ...
 
A benefit concert is taking place this weekend to help out the family of the late Chicago born musician Mitch Aliotta. The concert will feature numerous acts with some very special guest appearances. Emceeing the whole event will be WDRV-FM / 97.1 The Drive overnight DJ Greg Easterling.
Mitch Aliotta is best known as the bass player and founder of the Chicago area band Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah, famed for their iconic hit "Lake Shore Drive." Prior to his time in that group, he played with Rotary Connection, which featured Minnie Riperton on lead vocals. Aliotta passed away on July 21st at the age of 71 due to complications from diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Unfortunately, Aliotta's passing left his family with a large amount of debt. His brother and some friends have put together a benefit show to help Aliotta's immediate family out with the final expenses.
Called "The Party for Mitch Aliotta," the concert will feature at least five bands: Omega 3 (which includes Mitch's brother Ted Aliotta), Maggie Aliotta & The Mighty Fines (Mitch's daughter), Doubleplay, Rough Draft, and Kurt Michaels' Continuum (KMC) featuring Alain Quinn.
Among the special guests expected to participate are Jimy Sohns of The Shadows of Knight and Ray Graffia of The New Colony Six.
WDRV-FM's overnight voice Greg Easterling will serve as the emcee for the entire evening. Also appearing will be another Chicago radio veteran, WERV-FM / 95.9 The River's afternoon host Mitch Michaels.
"The Party for Mitch Aliotta" will take place this Sunday, September 13th at Wire, located at 6815 W. Roosevelt Road in Berwyn. (Mitch Aliotta grew up in Berwyn.) Tickets to attend this special event are only $15, which can be purchased in advance at this link HERE. Ticket proceeds will go toward helping Mitch Aliotta's family.
For those unable to attend but who wish to help out, a GoFundMe page has been set up for the Mitch Aliotta Memorial Fund. That page can be found HERE.
 
On October 30, Eagle Rock Entertainment and Zappa's Honker Home Video will issue the never-before-released Frank Zappa’s Roxy: The Movie on DVD & Blu-Ray with an exclusive Soundtrack included. 
A Frank Zappa show goes way beyond a mere concert – it is an experience … a flight of improvisation, musicianship, and cerebral cynicism.  An unparalleled Composer and Guitarist, Zappa redefined rock n roll paradigms by introducing  into the mix his favorite influences from classical music, jazz, blues, doo-wop, traditional and non-traditional music.  And he did so with unparalleled humor and audacity.  But it was the music itself that influened generations of musicians and, quite frankly, blew minds.  Roxy: The Movie, filmed over three nights in December, 1973, at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood, CA, is a powerful display of this experience, and reveals what made him such a pioneering musical revolutionary. 
Right from the top of the program, the film exudes the essence of Zappa, as we only see a dark room with a single light, and we hear him commiserating with the audience, as he stalls for time because of technical snafus that would ultimately force the film into hibernation for decades (make that eras in musical terms) while advancement in technology aligned allowing the Zappa Family Trust to bring this project to a patient and deserving audience.  The curtain goes up and the magic unravels to reveal “Cosmic Debris” and we are up and away with one of the most enduring band line-ups under Frank Zappa's leadership.
“Frank broke all sound barriers in Music and pushed musical event horizons to educate and entertain his audiences so they could experience real possibilities on a contemporary music stage – all without taking himself seriously.  He always said he had “something for everyone from 8 to 13.”  Being a mom I can tell you, that is when your imagination is wide open and some of those ideas stay fixed and expandable in time and space forever,” says Gail Zappa.
"I'm beyond thrilled that Roxy The Movie is finally going to be available. It took a herculean effort to bring it to life. So much love, time, energy and attention to detail went into its resurrection. This movie rocks so hard, I think both old and new fans will agree,” says Ahmet Zappa. “Enjoy!"
Written, directed, conducted & performed by Frank Zappa, as well as originally  produced by him, all these 40 years later Gail Zappa, Ahmet Zappa, and Jeff Stein, bring you now Roxy: The Movie.  Starring Zappa, The Mothers, and the Music and the Musicianship.  The film contains some of Zappa's most challenging instrumentals, expertly executed by himself (lead guitar, vocals),  George Duke (keyboards, synthesizer, vocals), Bruce Fowler (trombone), Napoleon Murphy Brock (flute, tenor saxophone, vocals), Tom Fowler (bass guitar), Ralph Humphrey (drums), Chester Thompson (drums), and Ruth Underwood (percussion).
Released just in time for Frank Zappa's favorite holiday, Halloween.  Roxy: The Movie is a stunning homage to one of unpopular music's most fearless musicians.
Click here to view trailer: https://youtu.be/YPIwdlnoKyA
 
To my friends and fans in South Florida -- or those who may be in South Florida next month:
I've been invited to be October's featured act at THE ACOUSTIC UNDERGROUND CONCERT SERIES. 
As some of you may know, The A.U.C.S. is the longest-running acoustic concert series in Florida and I'm honored to have been asked.
What's more, it's being held at one of my favorite Florida venues: The Luna Star.
It's the first Saturday of the month.
Here are the details:
Your attendance is mandatory.
Also notice that I'll be doing Micheal Stock's FOLK AND ACOUSTIC radio program on the Sunday before the show (Sept. 27). You can here it online by going to WLRN.org and clicking "Listen Live."
Yers,
Bob
 
From your favorite commercials piece ... #37 - 7-Up ...
If you're interested, I remember the rest of the lyrics to that 7 Up jingle.
After "it's the light shining over the dark" it goes --
"And in this time of over complication there's Un ... there's Un. If what you want is simplification come Un, come Un ... Un for all, all for Un, 7 Up the Un Cola.
Alan  
 
Kent ...
A new Johnny Cash Documentary will air on the anniversary of his death (9/12)http://tasteofcountry.com/johnny-cash-american-rebel/Frank B.
That would be tomorrow, airing on CMT.  Check your local listings.  (kk)
 
Hi Kent,
I loved your post of Roy Orbison’s “Ride Away.”
A couple of days ago, I saw another odd use of an oldie in a commercial: Amazon Prime is using Lee Marvin’s “Wand’rin’ Star.” When was the last time anyone heard that one?!
- Charlie
Perhaps never!  (lol)  You've gotta wonder about the creative minds behind the sources for some of this inspiration.  The Roy Orbison tune WAS a hit ... Top 20 in fact ... but over the past 50 years only so many songs by so many artists continue to exist ... the rest are put out to pasture, many forevermore.  Resurrecting this one was a REAL surprise ... but the Lee Marvin tune?  How many people are even going to know what that is?  Kind of like the Roger Miller / Robin Hood ditty that proved to be so popular a few months back!  (kk)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpW3lfKKxPc
 
Kent ...
Maybe one of your reader's can answer my questions.
Every time I go to Larry's Pub I play the Jukebox.
Every time I play the Jukebox I play "In The Still Of The Night" by The Five Satins.
A couple of weeks ago I found that the song was removed from the Jukebox.
They tell me that the Jukebox company lost the rights to this song.
I think they made enough money just from my plays to want to keep the song in the Jukebox.
Another time I'm at Larry's Pub and, since I was wearing my "GoodFellas" T-Shirt, I thought it would be clever of me to play the soundtrack from the "GoodFellas" movie.
I attempt to do that. I'm able to play 11 of the 12 songs. For some unknown reason "Sincerely" by the Moonglows isn't there and I'm wondering why?
Frank B.
Wow, this one's going to have to be answered by someone far more savvy than me! (lol)  I didn't know you could lose "jukebox rights" ... or that if an entire album was offered as a choice and listed 12 songs, it would play anything less than that.  Anybody out there have any thoughts or ideas on this one?  (kk)
 
Some new thoughts on the "evolution of radio" ...
 
Here's an article forwarded by our friend Larry White, who will be returning to Buffalo in the near future.  I expect we all agree with Dick Taylor's thoughts.
Hope everyone is well,
Danny
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